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Want a simple way to elevate your lifestyle? Try incorporating outdoor living into your daily routine. So many times we see oversized patios with summer kitchens and cabanas and plunge pools, but you don’t need any of those things to create an outdoor oasis for yourself. Here are some simple ways to put together a relaxing outdoor porch or patio retreat…no pool required!
Step 1: Lay The Groundwork
A good foundation is the best place to start in building your outdoor living space. Luckily, there are so many ways you can do this. Aside from concrete, consider flagstones, gravel, pavers, mulch, or even simply mown grass as your foundation. If you have ugly concrete, don’t worry! See how I completely updated our porch floors with paint! Give your floors a good cleaning to remove any algae or dirt, and let’s get started!
Step 2: Consider Its Use
What do you intend to do outside? Will you be eating? Playing games? Lounging? Reading a book? Take some time to figure out the purpose of your patio space. If you will be doing more than one of these, think about the ‘zones’ you will need to create. Make a list of activities you’ll need to incorporate into your outdoor space and make sure you have plenty of room for them.
A small table and chairs is a perfect spot to eat breakfast or dinner outdoors. If you have a covered space, consider using vintage or thrifted indoor pieces that can be sealed to protect them from humidity. This is an inexpensive way to add charm to your outdoor dining instead of the typical aluminum patio furniture.
An outdoor oasis should be unique to your home’s personality, so think outside the box for pieces that can be used in different ways.
Step 3: Large Furnishings
Now that you’ve considered how you will use your outdoor space, it’s time to start adding furniture. Think about the look you are going for. Will it be beachy? Modern? Eclectic? Take a look at what you have and decide if you will be incorporating those pieces into your design. Then set out to purchase additional furnishings. I like to come up with an overall plan before I make any big decorating changes – even outdoors! Here’s an idea of a tropical look for an uncovered patio:
Bring The Indoors OUT
One of my favorite tricks is to use indoor furniture outdoors. It instantly makes a porch feel like an outdoor room. This Ikea slipcovered sofa has held up wonderfully for years under my covered porch. However, I do recommend using a fabric protector to guard against stains and damage.
Step 4: Accessorize
Once all your large furnishings are in place, it’s now time for accessories.
Here are my favorite accessories for an outdoor space:
Rugs
Lamps
Pillows
Mirrors
Art
Candles
Decorating your outdoor living area will make it so cozy and inviting, and these accessories really make your space ‘pop’.
A bold rug adds instant pattern and texture to a patio. Lanterns, plants, and trays complete the look for a tropical feel.
Nothing adds coziness to an outdoor living area than the glow of a lamp! If you have electrical outlets, there are so many outdoor-rated lamps to choose from these days. We’ve had this floor lamp for years and it has be wonderful.
If you do not have electricity, these cordless table lamps are perfect for adding ambience to an outdoor area. They are also bright enough to use when eating or reading, so that’s a plus.
This dresser is such a pretty focal point on my porch. The lamp adds a beautiful glow of light, and the moss wall art adds color and texture to the walls.
Speaking of artwork, don’t be afraid to use it outdoors! I have canvas prints hanging outside over my sofa for color and interest. If you cannot have prints, consider choosing metal or resin artwork to use outdoors.
Mirrors are FANTASTIC accessories to add to your outdoor living area. They bounce light around so well and add depth to your space. Take a look at this post for all the different ways you can use mirrors in your decorating. See how this mirror reflects the candlelight and plants in such a magical way? Love it.
Lanterns are a great way to incorporate candles into your outdoor space. Battery operated ones are great because many can be programmed to come on automatically.
Create An Outdoor Retreat For Your Lifestyle
Making an outdoor living space is so incredibly rewarding, regardless of the size of space you have to work with. There is so much beauty outdoors, and spending time each day soaking up nature is so good for the soul. I encourage you to carve out a little place to unwind and just “be”. You won’t regret it! Happy Nesting!
